NHS staff praised for work on miscarriage

Hospital staff in Sunderland and South Tyne side have been recognised for their work in treating women who have been through the trauma of a miscarriage.

South Tyneside and Sunder land NHS Foundation Trust recruited the largest number of patients in the UK - 108 - and when the results were published in The Lancet, Janet Scollen, lead research nurse for the ‘MifeMiso’ trial, was singled out for her ‘outstanding contribution’ and two of the Trust’s consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists, Kim Hinshaw and Amna Ahmed, were among the coauthors of the research.

The trial, involving over 700 women, investigated whether treatment with the drug misoprostol or a combination of drug treatments was best for the medical management of missed miscarriage.

The results showed that the combination of drug treatments was the most effective option and also reduced the need for surgery.

Mr Hinshaw said: “Miscarriage is common, affecting one in five pregnancies. It can cause physical harm and substantial psychological harm, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Janet and the rest of our research team deserve enormous credit for a fantastic job in recruiting so many patients and we have to thank all the women who took part.”

South Tyneside and Sunder land NHS Foundation Trust’s reputation as a world leader in many fields of research is constantly growing.

In recent months, the Trust has enrolled patients in several COVID-19 studies to identify treatments and assess outcomes. It is also exploring being involved in the COVID-19 vaccine trials.